Polish broadcasters spring DTT surprise

Poland’s three leading broadcasters Telewizja Polska (TVP), TVN and Telewizja Polsat have signed a letter of intent “to build a real alternative in the area of digital terrestrial television broadcasting”.

In the letter they say that: “The intention of the broadcasters is to undertake activities aimed at creating a competitive offer on the Polish market, which will lead to a reduction in the cost of broadcasting programmes on terrestrial digital television.

“The new solution will provide viewers around the country with the best possible quality and coverage of programmes broadcast on terrestrial digital television.

“The parties inform that they have received declarations of cooperation and joining the initiative from other broadcasters disseminating their programmes on digital terrestrial television”.

All 26 DTT channels currently available in Poland are distributed by Emitel and the company has expressed surprise at the letter of intent.

In comments supplied to local media, it says that it has long-standing agreements in place with the broadcasters and believes its prices are fair for all parties.